Thinking About Dropping Out of College?

Want to drop out? This person sought consolation by scrawling a message in the bathroom. Photo: Quinn Anya

When you’re getting bad grades, feeling uninspired in class, struggling to make ends meet, and running on empty from the workload and college stress, it’s natural to consider dropping out of college. Before you make any big life decisions, here’s some things to consider if you’re thinking about dropping out of college.

1. You don’t need to get straight A’s. Employers won’t care about your grades so much as the fact that you put in the work and earned the degree. While there may be specific programs at your college that require a certain GPA in order to graduate, generally speaking, you just need to pass. Give up your unreal expectations for a 4.0 GPA and your workload may become significantly lighter.
2. Don’t be preoccupied with debt. In the giant scheme of things, education is an investment in yourself. Unlike expensive cars of vacations, the things you learn will stay with you for the rest of your life. While student loans and incurring college debt may seem overwhelming, look into different college scholarships and grants like the Pell Grant which, unlike student loans, don’t need to be paid back.
3. Is college right for you? There are some people that do better in a trade school than in a four-year college. If you’re thinking about a career as a mechanic, hair stylist, electrician, massage therapist, dental assistant, pastry chef, police officer, or web designer, a trade school may be a better choice for you to get the education you need to launch your career. Typically the programs are shorter with more hands on experience and apprenticeship opportunities so you graduate with a resume.
4. Consider taking a break. Taking a semester off may give you some time and perspective about what you really want to do with your life. After three years of college, my sister took a year off and in the process, discovered her burning passion was to become a chef instead of a CEO. Now she’s at a culinary arts school and quickly being recognized as a rising star.

Have you ever though about dropping out of college? Did you leave school, or did you stay the course?